If Only… Appoints Chief Executive, Plans New Long-Haul Destinations

Scotland-based tour operator If Only… has announced the most significant development in its 16 years of operation, planning a three-fold increase in sales in the next three years. In order to increase sales and market share and to dramatically develop new business, the tour operator is expanding its programme into a number of new long-haul destinations.

To guide the company in this major expansion programme, Andy Freeth has been appointed as Chief Executive and will join If Only… in early December 2017.

The If Only… senior management team will also be expanded to include Matt Appleby as Product & Commercial Director, Gordon McCreadie as Sales & Marketing Director, Tracy Docherty as Business Development Director, and David Irving as Head of Specialist Business. All four will join If Only… in early September 2017.

In addition to the above new recruits and in order to deliver this expansion, If Only… intends to create up to 40 new jobs at its headquarters in Milngavie just outside Glasgow, with several recruitment days planned over the coming weeks.

Brendan Maguire, Founder and Managing Director, said: “Following the sustained growth in our established destinations, the successful launch of our Australasia programme last year and repeated requests from agents to expand our portfolio into other parts of the world, we decided this is the right time to expand, while still retaining If Only…’s core values of quality service, in-depth product knowledge and competitive pricing.

“I am delighted to bring in the new recruits to join our already well-established team. With Andy’s passion for supporting agents and his renowned industry experience, I can’t think of a more capable CEO to make all this happen. I will be taking up the role of Chairman here at If Only…, carefully and sensitively handing over the day-to-day operation of the company to Andy, while remaining active in the business and keeping an eye on the strategic vision of our brand.’’